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Here it is, the new Audi S3 sedan (8V generation). This vehicle will be poised to compete with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA class. The drivetrain of the car is shared with its S3 hatchback sibling. That means a 296 horsepower 2.0 TFSI with power routed to all four wheels with a 7-speed dual clutch S-Tronic gearbox. A manual transmission is also available which is great news for performance enthusiasts and hopefully will also be offered in the US market.

The design language of the car follows its hathback siblings with the front basically being identical but the main changes clearly coming from the rear as the car loses the hatch. The rear lights also get a change to differentiate the sedan somewhat. Quite simply, the vehicle is a beautiful design.

Starting at somewhere around the $39,000-$40,000 range it's hard to not see the S3 being a hit. Additionally, the RS3 version which should compete with the CLA45 AMG is likely to get the 2.5 TFSI turbo 5-cylinder and should be in the $50k range. This segment is really heating up, great work Audi.

Audi S3 Sedan

Just a few months after the launch of the new sedan model series, Audi will introduce the top model – the S3 Sedan. The 2.0 TFSI produces 221 kW (296 hp) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb ft) of torque. Its high-performance four-cylinder engine combines highly advanced efficiency technologies – dual fuel injection, exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head, the Audi valvelift system and a rotary valve module for thermal management.

This version of the Audi S3 Sedan, paired with the S tronic, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds; with the manual transmission it takes 5.3 seconds. The car's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The four-cylinder turbo has a combined fuel consumption of just 6.9 liters per 100 km (34.09 US mpg) or 7.0 liters (33.60 US mpg) (with S tronic or manual transmission), respectively – for a CO2 equivalent of 159 or 162 grams per km (255.89 or 260.71 g/mile). A fast-operating multi-plate clutch in the quattro drivetrain distributes forces to the front and rear axles (provisional data).

The suspension lowers the body 25 mm (0.98 in). Large brakes are at work behind the standard 18-inch-wheels; the front discs are 340 mm (13.39 in) in diameter. The electrically assisted progressive steering varies the steering gear ratio – it is somewhat more indirect in the middle position, but very direct when large turns of the steering wheel are made. The Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system is standard, and the Audi magnetic ride damper control system is available as an option.

Visually, the top model is distinguished by modifications to the bumpers, the singleframe grille, air intakes, exterior mirror housings, side sills and rear spoiler. The four oval tailpipes of the exhaust system are embedded in the diffuser with chrome trim. In the interior, the S3 Sedan offers sport seats (optional S sport seats), instruments with gray dials and trim strips in black 3D look.